Former Speaker John Gard is gearing up for a return run against Steve Kagen:

"Green Bay – Former-state representative John Gard issued the following statement about his potential run for the 8^th Congressional District seat currently being held by Steve Kagen: 

“Today, I’ve taken the first steps towards gathering the resources I’ll need to run a winning campaign to represent the 8^th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.  I believe the people of Northeast Wisconsin deserve a congressman who will look out for the best interests of our hard-working families and fight for our Wisconsin values. 

“Steve Kagen and I have some very real differences on some of the most important issues facing our country. 

“Since his election to Congress, Steve Kagen voted for a budget that would pave the way for the largest tax increases in American history.  I believe families are seeing too much of their paychecks taken up in taxes.  I would have voted differently.

“Steve Kagen voted to spend Social Security dollars on other government programs.  I believe Social Security dollars should be spent on Social Security only.  I would have voted differently. 

“Steve Kagen voted against fully funding the construction of a fence to guard our borders, and he voted to allow illegal immigrants to have access to federal housing assistance funds.  I believe we should stop rewarding illegal behavior and start protecting our borders – immediately.  I would have voted differently.

“I think it is also telling that 75% of Steve Kagen’s campaign contributions are from Washington, D.C. special interest groups.  It certainly shows where the bulk of Congressman Kagen’s support lies.

“I’ll make a final decision later this year, but Cate and I are looking forward to traveling Northeast Wisconsin to talk about how we can build a better and brighter future for all of our families.”